for ever; neglect it, and you are for ever undone. Oh that men were fully persuaded that religion is
their life, even the life of their souls!
Verses 48–52
Now Moses had done his work, why should he desire to live a day longer? God reminds him
of the sin of which he had been guilty, for which he was kept from entering Canaan. It is good for
the best of men to die repenting the infirmities of which they are conscious. But those may die with
comfort and ease, whenever God calls for them, notwithstanding the sins they remember against
themselves, who have a believing prospect, and a well-grounded hope of eternal life beyond death.
Chapter 33
Chapter Outline
The glorious majesty of God. (1–5)
The blessings of the twelve tribes. (6–23)
Strength to believers. (24, 25)
The excellency of Israel. (26–29)Verses 1–5
To all his precepts, warnings, and prophecies, Moses added a solemn blessing. He begins with
a description of the glorious appearances of God, in giving the law. His law works like fire. If
received, it is melting, warming, purifying, and burns up the dross of corruption; if rejected, it
hardens, sears, pains, and destroys. The Holy Spirit came down in cloven tongues, as of fire; for
the gospel also is a fiery law. The law of God written in the heart, is a certain proof of the love of
God shed abroad there: we must reckon His law one of the gifts of his grace.
Verses 6–23
The order in which the tribes are here blessed, is not the same as is observed elsewhere. The
blessing of Judah may refer to the whole tribe in general, or to David as a type of Christ. Moses
largely blesses the tribe of Levi. Acceptance with God is what we should all aim at, and desire, in
all our devotions, whether men accept us or not, 2Co 5:9. This prayer is a prophecy, that God will
keep up a ministry in his church to the end of time. The tribe of Benjamin had their inheritance
close to mount Zion. To be situated near the ordinances, is a precious gift from the Lord, a privilege
not to be exchanged for any worldly advantage, or indulgence. We should thankfully receive the
earthly blessings sent to us, through the successive seasons. But those good gifts which come down
from the Father of lights, through the rising of the Sun of righteousness, and the pouring out of his
Spirit like the rain which makes fruitful, are infinitely more precious, as the tokens of his special